Arrival in Urumqi

Urumqi - Welcome to Urumqi, the capital city of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, known as the most inland major city globally. Upon arrival, guests will be transferred to their hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for personal exploration.

Heavenly Lake Day Tour

Tianchi - Enjoy a leisurely day today! In the morning, the journey begins with a drive to the entrance of Heavenly Lake, followed by a 40-minute shuttle bus ride through the scenic Tianshan Mountains to the lakeside. Visitors can choose to hike around the lake, enjoy a boat cruise, or take a cable car to Maya Mountain for stunning views of Bogda Peak. Lunch will be served in a traditional Kazakh yurt.
Afterwards, the group will return to Urumqi (approximately 1.5 hours) and visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, the city’s largest bazaar. Here, a vibrant market awaits, offering fruits, clothing, handicrafts, knives, carpets, and more!

Journey from Urumqi to Turpan

Turpan - The trip begins with a 2-3 hour drive to Turpan, passing by Asia’s largest wind power station at the base of the Tianshan Mountains. A glimpse of the Salt Lake in Dabancheng is next before arriving in Turpan to explore its captivating historical sites and lush oasis landscapes.
The first stop is Tuyoq Village, the oldest Uighur village, located in the heart of the Flaming Mountain Canyon. Once a sacred site for both Buddhism and Islam, the village is divided into four sections: the canyon scenery, the Thousand Buddha Caves, the Mazar tombs, and the historic buildings of the ancient village.
Next, the tour visits the Jiaohe Ruins, a 2,300-year-old ancient city situated on a 30-meter-high loess plateau between two rivers. As one of China’s best-preserved ruins from its era, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on June 22, 2014.

From Turpan to Dunhuang

Turpan - In the morning, the group will depart from the hotel to visit the Karez Well, an extraordinary ancient irrigation system. This site offers both an exploration of this engineering marvel and a respite from the summer heat. Next, the tour will visit the Sugong Minaret, the tallest Islamic minaret in China, constructed in 1778.
Following the visit, guests will be transferred to the train station to board the high-speed train to Dunhuang (arriving at Liuyuan Station). Upon arrival, a drive of approximately 2 hours will bring the group to Dunhuang city center for hotel check-in and relaxation.

Dunhuang Day Tour

Dunhuang - A full day of sightseeing in Dunhuang awaits. The first stop is the Mogao Grottoes, beginning with a 4D movie. Accompanied by a professional guide, the tour will visit 8 grottoes, showcasing magnificent grottoes and mural art. Through the guide’s insights and film presentations, visitors will learn about the history of Buddhism in Dunhuang — a must-see for tourists.
After lunch, the tour proceeds to Echoing Sand Mountain. When strong winds blow, the sands create a loud echoing sound. Crescent Lake, which has existed for centuries, is also located here. Camel riding in the vast desert and sand sliding are highly recommended activities.
Special Arrangement: 1 bottle of cold beer per person.
In the evening, the group will explore Shazhou Night Market, a unique local attraction offering local cuisine and relaxation. After the visit, guests will return to the hotel to rest, with more excitement to follow the next day!

From Dunhuang to Zhangye Danxia

Zhangye - After enjoying a buffet breakfast at the hotel, the group will embark on a 4-hour drive to visit Jiayuguan Pass. This Ming Dynasty fort guards the strategic Jiayuguan Pass, located at the western end of the Great Wall — the last section built by the Ming Dynasty.
Next, the tour will explore the Great Wall Museum, which opened to the public in October 1989 and is the first to comprehensively and systematically exhibit Great Wall culture.
After saying goodbye to Jiayuguan, the group will drive approximately 2 hours to Danxia National Geological Park for an overnight stay. An amazing starry night awaits.
Reminder: The climate in Jiayuguan may be a bit dry. Remember to drink water regularly.

From Zhangye Danxia to Mati Temple

Zhangye - Rise early to witness the sunrise at the stunning Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, a typical arid region in northern China. Ribbons of red, orange, and yellow slice through the rock, creating a rainbow vista framed by jagged mountain peaks. Many refer to it as “Rainbow Mountain.”
The journey continues to Mati Temple, built during the Jin Dynasty. The drive to the site takes about 2 hours. In Grotto 9, a series of horseshoe prints are visible, believed to be left by a heavenly horse. Thus, the temple is named after the legendary heavenly horse’s horseshoe prints, which are considered the temple’s treasure.
After the visit, the group will stay overnight in Zhangye, enjoying a relaxing evening at the town’s night market.

Fast Train from Zhangye to Xining

Xining - After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, the group will take a high-speed train along the Qilian Mountains at around 9 am, enjoying splendid scenery en route to Xining. At 16:00, the tour will visit Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), home to the largest population of monks outside Tibet. From Thangka Sunning Terrace, visitors will have a bird’s-eye view of the monastery and its surrounding scenery.
Inside the monastery, apart from magnificent Buddha stupas and wall paintings, prayer wheels are a must-see attraction. The entire monastery is surrounded by prayer wheels — walk along the corridor, rotate the wheels, and pray for blessings.
Butter sculpture is one of the “Three Wonders of Art” at Ta’er Monastery. It includes various artistic boutiques, such as Buddha statues, figures, landscapes, pavilions, birds, animals, flowers, and trees, all crafted from butter.

Xining to Chaka

Chaka to Xining Departure

• Private transportation
• Included entrance fees per itinerary
• Complimentary bottled water and paper napkins
• Professional English-speaking guide
• 6 nights’ accommodation with breakfast (based on double occupancy)
• Daily breakfast
• Train travel in 2nd class from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
• Gratuities for guide and driver

• International and domestic flights not indicated
• Food, Lunch or dinner not specified
• Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
• Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the historic Silk Road. The tour begins in Urumqi and continues to Dunhuang. Prepare to be amazed by the stunning Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye, admire the grand Jiayuguan Fortress, and explore Dunhuang—the westernmost treasure of the Hexi Corridor. Uncover the wonders of the Silk Road and the Buddhist art of the UNESCO-listed Mogao Grottoes. Experience a camel ride across expansive deserts, recreating the legendary caravan adventures of Silk Road traders.

• Private transportation with excellent air conditioning
• Professional English-speaking guide service
• Bottled water and paper napkins
• 24/7 English service online.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.